U13s Indoor Season Gets Underway

Last night, we opened our indoor season against Weybridge Purple; a team with whom we had some close battles with last season. Batting first, Weybridge made a steady start, carefully negotiating the dependable bowling of Sam Partridge. With a bigger hall than last year, it was evident that the running of singles would be key, and Weybridge accumulated nicely doing this without too many scares, with their opening batsmen both retiring on reaching 20. Thereafter, the run rate stagnated a bit, mainly due to some fine bowling from Sam and Joshua Spencer, and Weybridge finished their 12 overs on 102-2. Sam also kept very well, and was backed up by some fine fielding from the whole team.

The run rate was the crucial factor, and with the boys putting their maths skills to test, they were well aware of what was needed throughout. Sam Partridge was unlucky to be caught off the wall with a lovely off drive, but then bad luck struck again, with Raymond run out after being possibly impeded by the bowler. With our big hitters gone, the team was going to have to dig deep to reach the seemly distant target. The Spencer boys dug in and started building momentum, which accelerated with one poor Weybridge boy bowling a whole over of wides. Sam S departed after a run out mix up, handing Lucas a baptism of fire in his first indoor game. He frustratingly wafted at a number of dot balls, but then struck a lovely 4 to relive some pressure before he was out. Sam Cobb joined Joshua for the last over with 7 needed to win. With 2 scampered singles scoring 3 runs each, the game was surely ours now with the scores tied. But no. A lovely ball on and around off stump was prodded at by Joshua taking the edge and Weybridge gleefully celebrated the end of our innings.

Avoiding defeat could however be crucial to us, as I expect us and Weybridge to be the strong teams in this league. There are also no bonus points this year for wickets taken, with just 2 points available for a win and 1 for a draw.

Darren Wing